The Illinois (0-0-0-0) men’s hockey team will compete in two games against Michigan State (4-2-2-4) this weekend. 

New season, new focus

This weekend marks the Illini’s 2026-27 season home opener. Despite sweeping Cincinnati (2-2-0-4) in its final games of the 2025-26 season, Illinois failed to clinch a playoff spot after a costly loss against Illinois State (2-0-2-0) the previous weekend. 

With an ending that did not meet the team’s expectations, junior forward and alternate captain, Carson Mitchell, feels a new energy among the team. 

“(It) has made everyone hungrier and more determined to win,” Mitchell said. “It’s brought a different level of intensity and a group mindset of winning is the most important thing for us.”

Illinois ranked 24th out of 81 ACHA teams nationally, but fell short in securing a bid to the 2026 ACHA National Tournament. Senior forward, alternate captain and club president, Anthony Varrassi, is certain the team can secure its spot at nationals this season.  

“(We) know this year that we have the firepower to get to the national tournament,” Varrassi said. “It’s up to us to put everything together and win games.”

New pieces fall into place 

Though last season did not end the way the Illini had hoped, they are confident in the newcomers and the skills they bring to the team. 

Illinois welcomes eight new players who have already brought a much-needed stability and consistency to its lineup — according to Mitchell. 

“We have a bunch of guys who can play many roles and at a high level,” Mitchell said.  “Having guys like that when there are injuries is really important, and I think they’ve brought that so far.” 

The new Illini come from different programs across the country, including the Palm Beach Typhoon in Florida, the Helena Bighorns in Montana and Team Illinois 18U. 

Illini hockey’s team leaders have stressed building a team culture, one which the new members have become a natural fit for. 

“Our new teammates have been great so far,” Varassi said. “They are really buying into our culture, and hopefully they can continue to do so for years to come.”

Junior forward Louis Iandoli also praised the newcomers for the effort they have brought to the team. He explains that players willing to put in the work to better the program are a crucial part of Illinois’ success. 

“They have been hard working from the jump and also are willing to do what is necessary to get better,” Iandoli said. “It is the exact type of players you look for to help in growing a program such as ours.” 

Culture of commitment 

In practices, Iandoli has focused on establishing and emphasizing a team culture. As an alternate captain, Iandoli explained that he and other team leaders set the standard through their own efforts and by organizing team events that foster closeness on and off the ice. 

“We get our success from being a team that is very hard working and also a team that is super close outside of the ice rink,” Iandoli said. 

Similarly, Mitchell has honed in on intensity and attention to detail in his game play, while also cultivating a culture of hard work and competitiveness for the Illini. 

“Getting good habits with our systems is key with guys stepping up in their roles and new guys coming in,” Mitchell said. 

Focus on structure early in the season is crucial for a changing roster, giving the team a foundation for making confident decisions and having clear communication on the ice. 

Spartans arrive battle-tested

While this weekend will be the Illini’s first competition of the season, the Spartans have already competed in four games, earning two wins and two losses. Though early in the season, two Spartans shine, presenting an offensive threat to Illini defense.

Sophomore forward Nolan Kaminski has totaled 7 points in just four games played. Though playing in only 18 of the Spartans’ 29 games last season, Kaminski averaged 1.5 points per game. 

Philip McCarthy is a sophomore forward who joined the Spartans midway through their 2025-26 season after playing Division III hockey at Akron, where he totaled 17 points in 13 games. McCarthy earned 6 points in seven games with the Spartans to close last season and has carried that production into this season. He closely follows Kaminski in points with 6 points in four games played. 

Though Gregory Etingen, Illinois’ top goal scorer last season, has graduated, Mitchell and, junior forward and team captain, David Etingen remain strong point producers on the Illini offense. Last season, Mitchell had 38 points in just 33 games played, and David Etingen right behind him with 35 points in 33 games. 

To start the season with success, Illinois will need to find its rhythm early to limit Michigan State’s offense. Having played four games, the Spartans already had the opportunity to establish their on-ice chemistry. 

“It’s always the first game where we can struggle getting back into our groove, so we’re looking to start strong offensively,” Varrassi said. 

Playing for more

The Illini are amped to get on the ice in front of their fans to prove that they are committed to working for a successful season and potentially a bid to the national tournament in the process. 

“We have a great group of guys in that room who all know what we’re capable of, and I think everyone is excited to go out there and prove it,” Mitchell said.

Iandoli has especially missed playing in the atmosphere of his home rink and the energy Illini fans bring to the arena.

“Our fans make the game so much more fun, and I can not wait to be in the best environment I have ever played in again,” Iandoli said. 

While Mitchell and Iandoli are excited for another year of competitive, high-paced hockey, Varrassi is looking to make a lasting impact on the program in his senior year by getting an ACHA tournament bid. 

“I want to leave the program in a better place than when I got here, and win games at the same time,” Varrassi said. “I haven’t played in the national tournament, so that is my goal for this year.”. 

The Illini will take on the Spartans at the UI Ice Arena on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. for both games. 

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